Thursday night's Tom Petty tribute show, “Don’t Do Me Like That,” at Northampton’s Iron Horse Music Hall was planned long before the tragic fires the city suffered right after Christmas. In the wake of those arsons, however, the show has now taken on new meaning: All proceeds for the event will go to assisting the victims of the fires.

The idea to use the concert as a benefit first came from drummer Brian Marchese, who wields his sticks (as well as other instruments) in both his own band, Sitting Next To Brian, as well as other acts such as The Fawns and School for the Dead. Marchese, himself a vicitm of a fire that destroyed most of his belongings a few years back, was the focus of a benefit concert at The Elevens himself. He immediately suggested, via his Facebook page, that the Petty tribute’s earnings go to the current victims.

“The idea for it to be a benefit was really just a big bonk on my thick skull by the universe’s frying pan,” he said. “(It was like) ‘Hey Brian, you’re feeling really bad about the arson victims. You’re getting into some dark places in your psyche, remembering how it feels to have your life go up in flames.’ And then remembering how Tom Petty was himself a victim of arson. Bonk, again, went the universe, and I said ‘Hey, I think I have an idea.’”

Marchese also felt “an enormous karmic debt to those who donated so graciously” after his fire three years ago.

“This was a perfect opportunity, but it was already all set up. I just suggested the benefit part,” he said. “So I’m no Bob Geldof.”

Jim Neill, publicist for the Iron Horse Entertainment Group, said his company gladly joined the cause.

“The musicians all decided of their own volition that they would donate their earnings from the show and we’re doing it too. We decided the local Red Cross was a good “direct to customer” beneficiary,” he said.

But aside form the charity aspect, Marchese is also excited just to be playing Petty’s music.

“I love Tom Petty. The first album my sister bought was ‘Hard Promises,’ when it first came out, and perhaps because of that, I’m doing a song off of it, hopefully with her singing on it too.” he said.

Marchese will have a full night, playing with all the bands in the Rub Wrongways Records Caravan of Stars, which features members of School For the Dead, Sitting Next to Brian, Goldwater, Bourgeois Heroes, Salvation Alley String Band and The Fawns.

In addition, he will be playing drums for Golden Bloom’s Sean Fogel and Winterpills’ Brian Akey.

Other acts with which Marchese will not be playing include Jim Armenti and Ray Mason, F. Alex Johnson, Jason Bourgeois, Orange Crush, Group Deville, SwillMerchants, Frank Manzi and Fancy Trash.